Imagine a place where stark white cliffs meet the endless blue Aegean Sea. You probably know this Greek paradise for its stunning sunsets and romantic views. However, Santorini holds secrets much deeper than its famous volcanic crater. Beyond the perfect Instagram photos, a history of massive explosions, advanced ancient civilizations, and unique survival methods waits for you. Prepare to see the island with fresh eyes through these surprising insights.
Santorini
Farmers here grow grapes in a completely unique way. They weave the vines into basket shapes called kouloura that sit low on the ground. Consequently, this clever method protects the delicate grapes from the harsh, strong winds that sweep across the island.
Santorini might actually be the legendary lost city of Atlantis. Many scholars believe the massive volcanic eruption that destroyed the island thousands of years ago inspired Plato’s famous story. Therefore, you are walking on a myth.
The island produces special cherry tomatoes that never require watering. The volcanic soil captures moisture from the morning mist, which provides enough water for the plants. As a result, these small tomatoes have an incredibly intense and sweet flavor.
Remarkably, the prehistoric city of Akrotiri had indoor toilets thousands of years ago. Archaeologists found an advanced drainage system that was far ahead of its time. Thus, the ancient residents lived in surprising comfort before the volcano erupted.
You can swim in hot springs created by the sleeping volcano. If you take a boat to the center of the caldera, the water turns warm and murky. Specifically, thermal vents release sulfur and heat directly into the sea.
Locals originally painted houses white to survive cholera outbreaks. The lime in the white paint acts as a powerful disinfectant that kills bacteria. Later, this practical choice became the strict aesthetic law that defines Santorini today.
This destination is actually the only inhabited caldera in the entire world. While other volcanic craters exist, none support thriving towns and hotels right on the rim. Consequently, you sleep on the edge of a geological wonder.
The island was once perfectly round. Ancient people called it Strongili, which translates to “The Round One.” However, a massive eruption caused the center to collapse into the sea, creating the crescent shape we see now.
Santorini has absolutely no natural rivers or lakes. For centuries, residents relied entirely on collecting rainwater in cisterns to survive. Today, a desalination plant provides most of the fresh water for the thousands of tourists.
Builders used volcanic ash to make a cement that lasts for centuries. This local material, called Theraic earth, becomes harder over time and waterproofs the buildings. For this reason, it was even used to build the Suez Canal.
The famous blue domes are not as common as you think. In reality, most churches on the island have white or yellow domes. You mostly find the iconic blue ones in the village of Oia.
Traditional cave houses maintain a perfect temperature year-round. Locals carved these homes, known as yposkafa, directly into the soft volcanic rock. Therefore, they stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter without electricity.
You can visit a beach that looks like the surface of Mars. The Red Beach features towering red lava cliffs and dark reddish sand. Uniquely, the iron-rich volcanic rocks created this stunning and alien landscape.
Winemakers dry Vinsanto grapes in the hot sun for two weeks. This process evaporates the water and concentrates the sugar levels. Then, the wine ages in oak barrels to create a sweet, amber-colored dessert wine.
Intense winds called the Meltemi regulate the summer heat. These northern winds blow strongly across the Aegean Sea during July and August. Luckily, they keep the island from becoming unbearably hot during the peak season.
